Loving Lately ?

Loving Lately: A Camper

I can leisure camp with the best of ’em. I’ve camped out through nights so cold that I slept with my shoes on and the only thing sticking out of my mummy bag was my frozen nose. I’ve lived the joys of camping in weather so hot that you can hardly breath- let alone sleep. I know what it’s like to have the rain dripping inside of the tent because you’ve managed to come into contact with the canvas. And I’ve experienced hardly being able to get the pop-up off of the lot because the torrential downpour turned your space into a mud pit. I remember having to call the trip short because the mosquitos were so relentless outdoor activity was not possible. And I don’t want to think about the dangerous levels of Deet I’ve sprayed on my skin. Call me crazy… but that’s the good stuff! (Once you’ve gotten home, bathed and slept.) Because it makes for a lifetime of memories and naturally makes you appreciate all of those perfect days with sunshine and gentle breezes.

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My niece: Bad mosquito year of 2009

We’ve been shopping for a camper (aka travel trailer) for the fam, and I’m so excited I can hardly sleep at night thinking of the possibilities. We’ve visited some RV lots and have been perusing the web for ideas. I think we’ve narrowed in on what is going to work for us. Of course we need a 6 sleeper, and I’m partial to something with a hard frame…

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Setting up Camp 2007

I’ve done the tenting thing. I appreciate the simplicity and the ruggedness of it. But we stopped with that after baby number two. I was pregnant with baby number three, sleeping on a blow up mattress, crammed in a space growing tighter by the minute, hoping the weather would hold off. I want a trailer we can tow, so that getting around town wherever we land is a cinch. And I’m not looking to “air out” a pop-up after having to pack it up wet due to rainy weather. I want something that can go at any minute, and is ready to sleep in as soon as we hit the brakes… no matter how late we roll into camp.

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Gotta have firewood (this picture makes me laugh out loud every time)

I’ve already been contemplating the pots and cast iron pans I can contribute from the house. I’m envisioning the acrylic plates and glasses I need to buy that will travel well in the cupboards. But most importantly, I’m thinking about the places we’re going to see and the experiences my kids are going to have on the open road. From the Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Black Hills of South Dakota to Yosemite National Park in California… I’m ecstatic with anticipation. I want to take them down Highway 1 and across Route 66, I’m nostalgic that way. And I’m certainly not above tourist traps like the world’s biggest ball of yarn. Lookout road, here we come!

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Fireside 2015

61 comments

  2. Love your post! Adorable pictures and great drawing!! I’m so happy for you guys:) I can’t wait to hear about all your adventures❤️❤️❤️

  4. Wonderful and lovely post! your writing reminded me of camping for years as a kid! Brought back beautiful memories! Awesome writing Sadie! We used a tent and then my parents bought a camper and it was wonderful fun! Love the pictures!

  5. WHAT?! That’s so exciting, I didn’t know you guys were looking at campers!! Have you guys picked out your first destination yet?? How fun, I can’t wait to see what you guys end up buying:-) BTW, loves the pictures, look at those sweet little babies ❤️❤️

  6. I’m sure that your adventures will be filled with pure joy! I’m so exited for all of you. Uncle Rich and I have a plan to buy something when we retire to travel the country. Can’t wait to see your camper recipes. XXOO

  9. Loved this post and your pictures were so lovely! I loved the picture of your niece in 2009. And how excited for your camper! I hope you take lots of pictures – I know I’d be so excited to make it feel even more cozy and home-y.

  10. Great post Sadie, even though I must be honest with you: I don’t like camping at all! My husband is still trying to convince me otherwise! LOL! I enjoyed reading this and seeing the photos – the kids are adorable, and your niece is wearing that net like a little champ. So cute! I will send a link to this camping post to J – I’m sure he will enjoy reading about your adventures.

  15. Oh my Lord Sadie, I have been in pretty much situation you have described. My most interesting campout in our RV was “dry camping” on New Years Eve, and it got down to 9 below zero! We had no electricity or water and had to use a Buddy Heater (propane) for heat,We woke up to icicles inches above our noses in the top bunk above the driver side, and the drinking water on the table was frozen solid in the morning! We built a huge bonfire the next day that melted two feet of snow in a 50-foot radius, no lie! Wow what memories you just brought back!

  16. I love camping in any form. I have many fond memories of even fire less camps. Owen is a tireless camping fire builder (with pictures to prove it) but I think he met his match with Anotherfoodblogger’s fire. LOL…

  18. Found you from .http://lynzrealcooking.wordpress.com/ Camping is great. And after years of tenting it a travel trailer is the best. We’ve had ours for 2 years now. Enjoyed this essay. Good luck on your search for the right trailer. It is hard to know what you really like until “living” in it for a season. Enjoy!

    1. Thank you Nancy! Yes, Lynn is the best ?. I am sure we have a lot of learning to do about travel trailer life… Looking forward to it!

  20. Ok, I came across this article a little late & honestly because of Lynn`s post about you, but how hilarious and funny and nice! I have to share your love for camping! 🙂

    1. So sorry for the late response, this comment got buried in Spam… ???
      I understand liking a nice hotel room, can’t blame someone for that! Thank you! 🙂

  22. I saw this on Lynz Real Cooking. What a great post! It reminds me of childhood camping and how I would like to do that with my kids some day 🙂

    1. Thank you Cynthia! I think it’s something only people who have camped can understand. Such a great way to make memories with the family!

  23. Have you thought about camping at campgrounds that have cabins to rent??? A tent-ah no way…5 children and a tent I’d go crazy in a hand basket! I know in Florida they have tons of cabins (fairly reasonable) to rent! I really do not think I am a rough-it kind of gal. Hats off to you though. Enjoy your adventures and shopping for the right RV. Happy weekend to you!

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